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pianists

From Jackie Cantwell
author: Schmidt, Randy L.Little girl blue: the life of Karen Carpenter
This is an extremely well-written and well-researched biography of Karen
Carpenter, the singer of The Carpenters. Full disclosure: I grew up on
her music and to this day, when I hear her voice, I’m completely
transported to another place and time. Mr. Schmidt delved into the early
days of the group, with her brother, Richard. A biography of Karen is
also a biography of Richard, so inextricably were their professional and
personal lives entwined. Richard was immensely talented in music as a
child, so his mother Agnes nurtured that, and even relocated the family to
California to expand his opportunities. As it turns out, Karen was
talented as well, in drums and as a singer. Karen and Richard both
attended California State University at Long Beach, which contributed to
their early success. Laymen will learn a lot about the music business.
Readers will learn how Richard was adept as an arranger, composer and
pianist and how he was always on the lookout for songwriting talent.
Sadly, both brother and sister had turmoil in their personal lives. I
knew that Karen died from anorexia and laxative abuse, but she also abused two other substances as well. Highly recommended for a complete picture of a supremely gifted musician.